Third Street Road Work Update ~ “The Spirit of Oxford ”

   OXFORD , Pennsylvania (January 29, 2008 ) –

In early January, work began on a water line replacement project that will see portions of Third Street , the center of commercial activity in Oxford , closed to vehicular traffic for varying periods of time. The road work is estimated to take approximately 60 to 80 days to complete, depending on weather conditions and any unexpected issues that may develop. The replacement of the water line is a necessary step that must be undertaken prior to the commencement of streetscape improvements (new lighting, sidewalks, and other related items) that are designed to help make the downtown area more attractive to businesses and shoppers. These streetscape improvements are currently in the planning phase and may begin later this year if necessary funding is obtained. Like the current road work, which is being funded with an $800,000 grant from the County's Department of Community Development, the next round of streetscape improvements are largely funded with grant funding, primarily from sources within Chester County .

All downtown businesses plan to remain open during the road work. While portions of Third Street will be closed, the sidewalks are open. The downtown businesses are cognizant that their customers may be experiencing minor inconveniences while continuing to shop downtown. The downtown businesses are also putting in place various marketing programs to help deal with the temporary inconvenience caused by the roadwork. For example, Bittersweet Florist is marketing a delivery program to area businesses whose employees may order flowers for that special person in their lives on Valentine's Day. The program is being piloted at Peoples Bank, Herr's, the Oxford School District and Lincoln University . Any other organization interested in participating can contact Bittersweet owner Lou Kline at 610-932-7032. A number of downtown businesses are also taking advantage of a joint advertising campaign showcasing a variety of “Sweetheart Specials” during the Valentine's Day holiday. By joining together, the businesses facing the road closure with creativity and resolve. In addition, several businesses are helping each other to cross-market each other's products. Walk into Peppercorn's Restaurant on Market Street , and you'll see an ad for Bittersweet Florist. Similarly, Peter Hagialas' storefront at the top at intersection of Third and Market Streets will have display signage that promotes the entire downtown area.

There is no question that parking is more limited during the roadwork; however, there are some measures that are being implemented to help with the temporary drop in Third Street parking. Peoples Bank, which owns the lot with entrances off Second Street and the Octorara Alley will be more strictly enforcing daytime parking limits in this lot so that more spaces are open for shoppers. Over the last thirty years, Peoples Bank has never prevented anyone from parking in the lot that they own and maintain. The current effort to restrict access to the lot is actually an attempt to help downtown shoppers access the business district.

Oxford Mainstreet, Inc has worked with the Borough and downtown businesses to minimize any negative impacts from the current roadwork. While no one likes the inconveniences brought about by road closure, it's more important than ever to focus on the long term streetscape improvements that will come after the road work is complete. In addition for a $200,000 grant for new street lights, the OMI's Design Committee has helped to award almost $ 100,000 in façade grants to downtown businesses over the past several years. They are in the process of developing valuable professional input on the many details of the next round of streetscape improvements. The individuals working on the Design Committee, along with their professional associates on OMI's Promotion and Economic Development Committees are unpaid volunteers. Last year, for example, they collectively put in an estimated 1000 hours on various downtown projects.

It is this spirit of teamwork and volunteerism that helps to make Oxford more than a physical place - more than buildings, roads and sidewalks. Spirit turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Spirit sees beyond temporary inconvenience and focuses on long range goals and visions. You'll find spirit alive and well in downtown Oxford .

Embrace our charm…